Time for a new Wisper?

[AndyOfTheSouth]

I’d quite fancy a Wisper.

Actually, given my tribulations detailed on the hill climber thread, a cynic would probably say I’d be a sucker for a clockwork skateboard, but that’s by the by.

A number of things appeal to me about having a Wisper. The enthusiasm of owners, the reputation for good after sales service, the low-key and thoughtful comments by Wisper folk on this forum (for all I know, there may have be defensive or dodgy ones in the past, but I’ve not seen them.)

But, as things stand, I can’t. The current bikes are just too heavy and look too heavy. This isn’t to say that I don’t admire them, because I do. I think the 905 SE is very good in an uncompromising, powerful, big battery, motorbikey sort of way. It’s just that I want something that I can pedal without the ‘lectric, and which feels light (or at least, not heavy) to pick up, and doesn't look like an electric bike. So it must weight under 20 kg and the less, the better and look lithe.

I don’t think this is just me. Rather, I think this is the way the market is going.

So, Wisper folk. My credit card is warmed up and ready. When is the delivery date?

 

[flecc]

Something like this.

 

[torrent99]

Something like this.

Is that a Braun or a Kenwood food blender on the back?

 

[AndyOfTheSouth]

Braun or Kenwood, I don't mind. That's my type of bike! Except, I'd want to go across fields as well...

 

[flecc]

It has twin motors on the back, clamping onto rubberised deep rim sections to provide the drive. It's a clever system,
the motors flying out of engagement at 15 mph, leaving the bike completely free rolling to be ridden like any other
sport bike. The concept is a bit like our Cytronex, mainly for help on hills etc.

The Cybien is the product of a clever engineer/designer and hand made by him in France.

Not everyone's cup of tea, but it's good to know that such individual designs are available. There's a flat handlebar
hub gear version as well shown here.
.

 

[frank9755]

Not many electric bikes are going to peform well across fields, but one thing to be said for the Wisper is that, while it might look chunky, it is just about the lightest production electric bike going. A good few kg less than the Khalkoffs or Ezees - even lighter than Powacycle. Only Tongxin-powered bikes tend to be lighter, or of course this cunning French model.

 

[flecc]

Not many electric bikes are going to peform well across fields, but one thing to be said for the Wisper is that, while it might look chunky, it is just about the lightest production electric bike going. A good few kg less than the Khalkoffs or Ezees - even lighter than Powacycle. Only Tongxin-powered bikes tend to be lighter, or of course this cunning French model.

There are other light ones arriving as well now, the BH E-motion Sport de Luxe the current champion at 16.5 kilos
with carbon fibre forks and just enough spokes for one wheel

 

[tillson]

There are other light ones arriving as well now, the BH E-motion Sport de Luxe the current champion at 16.5 kilos
with carbon fibre forks and just enough spokes for one wheel

Or how about enough spoke for 1.333333333 wheels?

 

[flecc]

Or how about enough spoke for 1.333333333 wheels?

? that would be 27 spoke wheels.

That BH has 20 rear and 16 front, so together 36 spokes, hence just enough for one normal wheel.

Hopefully they'll last though, since they are specialised flat section sport spokes, not the usual stuff.
.

 

[tillson]

That BH has 20 rear and 16 front, so together 36

So it has. My eyes must be failing. I was warned about those websites.

 

[flecc]

So it has. My eyes must be failing. I was warned about those websites.

I thought you might have only counted the rear wheel ones.

You're not alone though, the importing agent published it as 16 spokes in each wheel before I corrected them.

Adds mischievously: You're not thinking of buying one of these to replace your 24 spoke Pro Connect are you?
.

 

[tillson]

Adds mischievously: You're not thinking of buying one of these to replace your 24 spoke Pro Connect are you?
.

Light blue touch paper and retire....................

 

[Barnowl]

"So it must weight under 20 kg and the less, the better and look lithe."

The only thing that gives me any feeling of litheness is the handlebars. That picture of the Cybien should not be shown before bedtime.

 

[frank9755]

That's pretty light!

I'm building a new bike for my wife, which I expect to be just under 21kg. Not quite this level but lighter than the Wisper, which is the benchmark I'm aiming for. It will also have a rack, full mudguards, bell, reflectors, lights and a full set of spokes! I've also got a new solution for where to put the battery which I think looks better and gives better balance than a pannier, and uses long-proven technology!

The bike arrives later this week and I hope to get it set up at the weekend. I'll post some photos afterwards.

 

[flecc]

The only thing that gives me any feeling of litheness is the handlebars. That picture of the Cybien should not be shown before bedtime.

It only weighs 20.8 kilos, same as a Pro Connect. Reviews in French:

Essai complet du Cybien Sport

And here:

CYBIEN: un vélo à assistance électrique très performant
.

 

[eddieo]

My wisper is 24kg and as someone else said earlier If you put your mind to it you could probably lose 2-4 kg in weight and save a fortune. Mind you the E Rocket.........be still my beating heart!

my 16 year old son who weighs nothing loves the wisper and comes in with a beaming smile.......not so the other day when he had to take his own bike to LBS and hit the hill. he came back flustered and shocked at the difference.

the weight is only really a concern if you loose battery power.....TAXI!

 

[Mussels]

My wisper is 24kg and as someone else said earlier If you put your mind to it you could probably lose 2-4 kg in weight and save a fortune.

I started to leave my lock at work instantly dropping 3Kg from the weight of my Wisper, can't say I noticed the slightest bit of difference though.

 

[Barnowl]

It only weighs 20.8 kilos, same as a Pro Connect. Reviews in French:

Essai complet du Cybien Sport

And here:

CYBIEN: un vélo à assistance électrique très performant
.

Sorry Flecc it wasn't the weight I had a problem with. It was the word lithe as in slim, flexible and graceful. I thought it looked a bit stiff, cluttered & Heath Robinson.

 

[flecc]

Yes, the in frame battery box like that on the BionX doesn't help.

I'm glad it exists though, I'm all for lots of choice and variety. I view it in the way we used to view Citroen in the
Light 15, 2CV and DS19 days, before they became bland versions of Peugeots. Eccentric but fun.
.

 

[Barnowl]

Yes, the in frame battery box like that on the BionX doesn't help.

I'm glad it exists though, I'm all for lots of choice and variety. I view it in the way we used to view Citroen in the
Light 15, 2CV and DS19 days, before they became bland versions of Peugeots. Eccentric but fun.
.

I'd just been looking at some classic, non-electric, lithe and sexy, De Rosa and Cinelli steel bikes before I saw this thread. Also some Soma steel framed bikes (thanks Clarkey I'd never heard of them - now, dammit, I really fancy one).

I think the contrast came as a bit of a shock.

Big fan of the eccentric myself but that pic of the Cybien is just not doing it for me.

PS The Emotion bike is easy on the eye though.